What is Project-Based Learning?

Why use Project-Based Learning in education?

Planning a PBL Lesson:

• Begin with the end in mind.
  • Ask yourself: "What do you want the students to create? Why are they creating it?" Then work backwards from there. Use curriculum and standards to direct your planning.

• Craft the driving question.
  • Break down the project theme into a significant, meaningful question. It should require higher-level thinking to answer it.
  • Craft the Driving Question - this site will walk you through the process of writing effective DQs.

• Plan the assessment.
  • Every project should be driven by an explicit set of outcomes that encompass the content and skills students are expected to learn. The assessment is shared with students at the beginning of the project and throughout the process.
• Map the project.
  • A project map is the step-by-step process the students go through to complete the project. It provides the sequence of activities, structures the project, and directs students. The project should be centered around hands-on activities and should include plans for differentiation.
• Manage the process.
  • Although PBL looks chaotic, successful projects are carefully managed by teachers. Teachers become facilitators and guides. They do not transmit information. Students learn to manage themselves and take responsibility for their own work. Self-assessment is built into the project. Teachers can manage the process through checkpoints, milestones, employing problem-solving skills, and using authentic assessment.
• Give the project time.
  • PBL takes A LOT of time - both in planning and execution. Projects may last weeks, months, or even the entire school year.
• Integrate technology throughout the project.
  • The integration of technology should be seamless and meaningful. This means employing the use of technology in ways that make sense and enhance the experience. PBL projects that truly integrate technology cannot be completed without it.
  • Identify specific forms of technology to be used. There are numerous forms of technology available - from basics such as the internet, computers, printers, scanners, and document cameras to cutting edge technology such as SMART boards, cell phones, digital cameras, and GPS devices as well as many more.
  • Describe how the technology listed will be used. Make sure readers have a clear understanding of how to use the technology required to complete the project.
  • Don't forget software or web apps! If your project requires specific titles, list them as well.

Resources:

• Teachers Network: PBL
  • This PBL informational website will help students and teachers understand exactly what is meant by project-based learning and how they can get the most out of their group work. There is also other links at the bottom of the website that will take students or teachers to other PBL information websites. (Micheal)
• Project, Problem, and Inquiry-Based Learning
  • This site was useful because it told us what a PBL was and gave us other websites to go to in order to expand our knowledge. It provides examples of PBL's and includes what are useful elements of a PBL that teachers need to add so that it is easy to follow. (Stephanie)

• Bucket Buddies: Project Overview
  • This project is a good example of working collaboratively with other classrooms across the globe. This site is also helpful because it includes extensive detail of what teachers need to include in a project in order to ensure that it meets nation and state standards and promotes student learning in all different subject areas. (Tara)
• U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management
  • This site is exteremly useful for any teacher in the greater northwest who is working on a science progrect with their class regarding the outdoors. It offers great resources, events, viewings, meetings, and information about environmental education as a whole. (Megan)
• Collaborative project-based learning and problem-based learning in higher education
  • This is a site that gives an overview of what Project-Based Learning is and explains some of the differences between project-based learning and collaborate project-based learning. The site also gives a good description of what Project-Based Learning is. (Amanda W)